Streaming offers a convenient way to enjoy your preferred movies and TV shows, but the picture quality and audio performance you obtain from a Blu-ray disc cannot be surpassed. The top-notch Blu-ray players offer an exceptional movie-watching experience right in the comfort of your own home. Additionally, you won’t face any buffering issues like you might on platforms such as Netflix, since you won’t be constrained by internet speeds and bandwidth.
At present, there are two categories of Blu-ray players available: 4K UHD Blu-ray and 1080p Blu-ray. Both offer superior performance compared to a regular DVD player, although choosing a 4K model will enable you to play both types of Blu-ray discs and provide access to Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, DTS:X, and HDR10 formats for exceptional image quality. For avid collectors, all Blu-ray players are compatible with old DVD and CD collections, without encountering problems encountered with dropouts, bandwidth caps, and buffering of streaming applications. However, if you miss these flaws, most of the top tier Blu-ray players can accommodate streaming services of your preference, including Netflix (with some even in 4K), Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.
The advanced PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X gaming consoles are capable of playing both variants of Blu-ray as well as the latest games. For those who possess a collection of traditional Blu-rays and lack a 4K TV, opting for a 1080p-only player such as the Sony BDP-S3700 can save them some cash.
Ready to maximize your 4K content? Pick up an HDMI cable and prepare to indulge in the exceptional playback and superior viewing experience that Blu-ray players provide. This handpicked compilation of the finest Blu-ray player choices will assist you in selecting the perfect configuration for your requirements.
The Sony UBP-X700 is the top-rated 4K Blu-ray player offering Dolby Vision compatibility and is available at a reasonable price. This player is considered advanced 4K technology, while also providing access to multiple streaming app services, making it a solid performer. You can purchase the Sony UBP-X700 for $189 at Walmart, $200 at Target, or $189 at eBay.
Check out our review of the Sony UBP-X700.
$189 on Walmart$200 on Target$189 on eBay
The best option for a budget Blu-ray player is the Sony BDP-S3700, priced at $81 at Walmart, $80 at Target, and $55 at eBay. Despite being limited to 1080p resolution, it provides a wide range of features at an affordable price. However, it lacks advanced capabilities such as Dolby Vision and 4K resolution picture quality.
Check out our review of the Sony BDP-S3700.
$81 on Walmart, $80 on Target, and $55 on eBay.
Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Microsoft Xbox Series X
Top Choice for Blu-ray Movies
$500 at Best Buy You’re receiving price alerts for Microsoft Xbox Series X
The Xbox Series X is the sole Xbox model on the market that supports optical discs, including DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K Blu-rays, in accordance with Xbox game discs. Furthermore, it is compatible with standard IR remotes, which distinguishes it from the PS5. It’s important to note that the less expensive Xbox Series S does not have a disc slot.
Check out our review of the Xbox Series X.
$500 at Best Buy You’re receiving price alerts for the Microsoft Xbox Series X.
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Sony PlayStation 5
Greatest PlayStation for Blu-ray Cinema
$499 at Amazon$500 at Best Buy You’re getting cost notifications for Sony PlayStation 5
The premium PS5 version (priced at $500) comes with an optical drive capable of reading DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K Blu-rays. It also supports gaming discs for both the PS4 and PS5. The more affordable PS5 Digital Edition, on the other hand, does not come with a disc slot.
Take a look at our review of the PS5.
You’re receiving alerts for the Sony PlayStation 5, currently priced at $499 on Amazon and $500 at Best Buy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Blu-ray Players
Q: Can I play regular DVDs on a Blu-ray player?
A: All Blu-ray and 4K UHD Blu-ray players are designed to be compatible with your current DVDs. Additionally, most will enhance the image quality of DVDs when displayed on a flatscreen TV, upscaling to 1080p (or 4K).
If you possess DVDs from different regions — for example, you reside in the UK and own Japanese DVDs — it is essential to verify with the manufacturer regarding the compatibility of your player.
Is Blu-ray compatible with all types of TVs?
Almost any TV produced after 2004, especially flatscreens, are compatible with Blu-ray. However, some TVs like rear projection require an HD resolution (720/1080p) and an HDMI port. Unfortunately, Blu-ray players priced below $1,500 do not support the analog connections (component and composite) utilized by older TVs.
Additional must-have home entertainment items:
Guide to purchasing a television, top recommended TVs for 2023, the most outstanding streaming device for 2023, the supreme TV antenna for cord cutters, and Prime Video’s 35 best television programs to watch.
Additionally, check out the best free shows offered on Peacock, IMDb TV, and other streaming platforms.
